On March 4, 2026, Jonathan Nez, candidate for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District and former President of the Navajo Nation, issued a statement responding to Congressman Eli Crane’s recent remarks regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran. Nez addressed Crane’s comment that he hopes the situation “works out,” expressing concern over what he described as a lack of responsibility from the congressman.
Nez said the Iranian regime has sponsored terrorism and mistreated its citizens, but criticized what he called an absence of planning in America’s involvement in the conflict. “The Iranian regime sponsored terrorism around the world and brutally treated its own citizens. I have no sympathy for their regime. But despite this administration’s promise to not take America into more endless wars, we have stumbled into one with no plan – and Americans are already paying the price. Rather than demanding a plan for the path forward from the Administration – Congressman Eli Crane just says that he hopes it ‘works out.’”
He called for Congress to assert its war powers authority and seek clarity on several aspects of U.S. involvement in Iran. “We need Congress to assert its war powers authority and demand answers on why action was needed, how success will be achieved, what costs will be paid, and when will this end,” Nez said.
Nez also linked his criticism of Crane’s approach on Iran to other issues such as health care costs and tariffs affecting families and businesses. He said, “But on this and on so many other issues – including our spiking health care costs and the tariffs harming our families and businesses – Rep. Crane does nothing but play politics and hope things ‘work out.’ It’s time for leaders who demand transparency and present real solutions.” He added that American service members have lost their lives in the conflict, gas prices are rising, and he is praying for troops, citizens at risk, leaders, and specifically for Representative Crane to prioritize Arizona’s interests.
Nez is running as the Democratic nominee for Congress in Arizona’s 2nd District in 2024.